Projector Light Modulator Attitude Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Projectors experience image degradation due to inappropriate arrangement of the projection optical apparatus and light modulator, leading to one-side defocus, especially at higher resolutions, which is exacerbated by mechanical rigidity, noise, and increased costs associated with actuating the projection optical apparatus.

Innovation Solution

A projector design that includes an attitude adjustment apparatus allowing the light modulator to pivot around a perpendicular axis, adjusting its attitude relative to the projection optical apparatus, thereby preventing one-side defocus, and utilizing a light combiner integrated with multiple light modulators for simultaneous adjustment, reducing mechanical complexity and noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the projection optical apparatus is inclined to adjust the attitude of the light modulator, then the image quality is improved by preventing one-side defocus, but the device complexity, size, weight, and manufacturing cost increase due to the heavy weight of the projection optical apparatus requiring high rigidity mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inclining the heavy projection optical apparatus to adjust the light modulator's attitude, the patent inverts the approach by inclining the lighter light modulator (or image formation unit) to achieve the same alignment effect. This inversion resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining alignment precision while avoiding the complexity and weight penalties of inclining the projection optical apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts the attitude of the light modulator (or image formation unit) to effectively copy or replicate the alignment that would be achieved by inclining the projection optical apparatus. By adjusting the lighter component to match the required angular relationship, the system achieves the same alignment precision without the mechanical burden of inclining the heavier component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Manufacturing precision

If the projection optical apparatus is inclined to adjust the light modulator attitude, then the image quality is improved, but noise leaks out of the projector due to the actuator being positioned close to the exterior

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidnoise leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts which component is actuated for attitude adjustment. Instead of actuating the projection optical apparatus (which is positioned close to the exterior and causes noise leakage), the system actuates the light modulator or image formation unit, which are positioned deeper inside the projector. This inversion maintains alignment precision while eliminating the noise leakage problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If the projection optical apparatus is inclined to adjust the light modulator attitude, then the image quality is improved, but the consumed electric power and weight of the mechanism increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts which component is actuated for attitude adjustment. Instead of actuating the heavy projection optical apparatus (which consumes more electric power), the system actuates the lighter light modulator or image formation unit. This inversion maintains alignment precision while reducing electric power consumption and mechanism weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10670949B2Projector with attitude adjustment apparatus

Publication Date: 2020.06.02 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A projector includes a light source apparatus, an image formation apparatus that includes a light modulator and forms an image, the light modulator modulating light outputted from the light source apparatus, a projection optical apparatus that projects the image formed by the image formation apparatus, and an attitude adjustment apparatus that causes the light modulator to pivot around a pivotal axis perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical apparatus to adjust the attitude of the light modulator.